The integrin α_vβ₃, an interesting target for specific therapies in oncology, is highly expressed on activated endothelial cells during angiogenesis and plays an important role in the regulation of tumor growth, local invasiveness, and metastatic potential. As confirmed by the immunohistochemistry images, these ¹⁸F-galacto-RGD PET images of invasive ductal breast cancer show α_vβ₃ expression predominantly on the neovasculature.
See page 255.